When severe storms hit, many people reach for their phones and cameras to capture images and videos of what's happening around them. And in Canada, storm chasers and organizations like Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) rely partly on the public when tracking severe weather activity. But in recent years, people have begun fabricating weather stories using photo editing software to modify images, creating photos and videos using AI (artificial intelligence) and even lying about the date and time a photo was taken.
"The ERU, which provides direct, on-the-ground support to businesses impacted by emergencies across the city, helps small businesses by sharing relevant information, securing storefronts, expediting permits and providing free legal assistance both before and after emergencies take place."
The climate crisis is literally outside right now, wrote one person from New Jersey on social media, reflecting the alarming frequency of intense rainstorms attributed to climate warming.
Environment Canada has placed parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) under a severe thunderstorm watch on Sunday, indicating the potential for strong wind gusts, hail, and torrential rain.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced that flights at JFK International Airport would be grounded due to a severe thunderstorm, creating widespread travel delays.